Repertory Philippines brings you THE PRODUCERS

"THE PRODUCERS,” THE FUNNIEST MUSICAL IN THE UNIVERSE,

FINALLY OPENS ON NOV. 15

In celebration of its 46th year, Repertory Philippines proudly announces its last production for its 76th theater season with THE PRODUCERS, the biggest hit in Broadway history.

Set to open on November 15  at 8 p.m. at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati, THE PRODUCERS, based on the 1968 Mel Brooks movie of the same name, was written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with songs arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman.

With an unprecedented, record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, the story of THE PRODUCERS concerns two theatrical producers, Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, who hatch a scam to stage the worst Broadway musical they can find, so that they can get rich from investors and then pocket the money when the show flops. After finding the script “Springtime for Hitler” by crazed Nazi playwright Franz Liebkind, they bring on board Roger DeBris, Carmen Ghia as well as their sexpot secretary, Ulla. Their scheme falls apart, however, when “Springtime for Hitler” becomes a smash hit instead.

The humor of the show draws on ridiculous accents, homosexual stereotypes, and Nazis, along with many show business in-jokes. It is a satirical comedy that can be appreciated by both insiders and outsiders of the theatre industry.

The original Broadway production, starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, opened at the St. James Theatre on April 19, 2001 and ran for 2,502 performances. It spawned a successful London production running for just over two years, US national tours, many productions worldwide, and a 2005 film version.     

THE CAST

            Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the Manila premier of THE PRODUCERS features top caliber actors CARLO OROSA and ROBIE ZIALCITA alternating as Max Bialystock, the beleaguered producer facing bankruptcy, who woos little old ladies into backing his shows.

Robie Zialcita as Max

Carlo Oroza as Max

           

TOPPER FABREGAS takes on the role of Leopold “Leo” Bloom, a cowardly and infantile hapless accountant who first has the idea to produce a flop on purpose.

Media icon G TÖNGI will tackle the role of Ulla, a blonde Swedish bombshell who auditions for the show and becomes Max and Leo’s secretary/receptionist.

Actor-director JOEL TRINIDAD plays Franz Liebkind, a former Nazi whose play is chosen by Max and Leo as a definite flop.

Stage and screen veteran NOEL TRINIDAD (Joel’s father) takes on the role of Roger De Bris, the flamboyant  homosexual cross-dresser chosen to direct the show. He will be alternating with role of Roger with one of the icons of Philippine musical theater AUDIE GEMORA.

Versatile actor NOEL RAYOS will take the role of Carmen Ghia, Roger’s  “common law assistant.”

The ensemble is composed of  Nelsito Gomez, Steven Conde, Tristan Cheng, Jay Pangilinan, Chino Veguillas, Leroy de Guzman, Natalie Everett, Daff Abear, Liesl Batucan, Micaela Pineda, Shalee Vicencio, and Gemini Quintos.

           

Co-presented by the City of Makati, THE PRODUCERS is full of irreverent humor, silly gags, outlandish characters, and, of course, show-stopping musical numbers.

All performances are at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas corner Legazpi St., Makati City.

           

The artistic and creative team of  THE PRODUCERS is led by Baby Barredo (Artistic Director), Jaime del Mundo (Director), Onyl Torres (Musical Director), Mio Infante (Set Designer), Natalie Everett (Choreographer), and John Batalla (Lighting Designer).

The production staff is composed of Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Goldie T. Soon (Stage Manager), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity team is led by David Bianco (Marketing Director), Toots Tolentino (PR Director), Oliver Usison (Marketing Assistant),  Marie Talay (Cashier),  Rose Silva (Sales Supervisor), John Alaras (Design Director), Jojo Mamangun (Photographer), and Lightshapers/ Repertory Philippines (Video Production).

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You can now buy your tickets at www.repertoryphilippines.com!

See you at the theater!

PIAF's Press Launch

TicketWorld was luckily invited to PIAF’s press launch last February 26 at Sir Boy’s Food Republique where we got to meet Sandino Martin, Ima Castro, Giselle Tongi-Walters and Pinky Amador.

25 years ago, Pinky Amador got to play a small role when Repertory Philippines staged Piaf. Pinky fell in love with the story of Edith Gassion, known as PIAF, and since then she have dreamt of doing the role. She mentioned that what we’ll see is the version of Pat Gems, shorter but more intense, more precise and has more music. It’s only 90 minutes long with 10 actors, playing up to 4 characters each.

We asked her how has she adjusted since the last time we saw her in Sound of Music and now Piaf. She said it requires a lot of research that she had to go to France to visit Piaf’s museum, learn French for the 4th time, talk to the people who knows Piaf, understand in-depth the character and she even went to Piaf’s grave to ask for permission & guidance in the doing the role. Pinky had to execute all the ups and downs of Piaf from career to love life to being manic, chaotic and obsessive which is not an easy role, as she admits, especially with the compressed version that they’re doing. She treats this dream role as a challenge especially now that she's celebrating her 30th year in the business.

Leaving all the showbiz questions with other reporters, we discussed a theatre related one. Pinky mentioned that theatre is little by little improving in terms of ticket sales and growing audience, I asked her then how we could make the youth be more involved and interested to watch theatre specially something as deep as Piaf. Pinky explained that for people to be involved in theatre, one must really have proper education with theatre acting, submerge themselves into the theatre world and lastly, expect a lot of sacrifices in social life and all other things. In spite of all those sacrifices, she assured that the fulfillment is just incomparable. Aside from that, Pinky points out experience as a huge factor for people to appreciate theatre. Comparing it to movies and television shows, she said theatre is a different world that could also inspire people and make them relate to such stories. She hopes that people would get to experience theatre and that our country would have more of these, not just international shows but local shows as well.

Another one who we got to interview is a Filipino-American actress, host, former MTV VJ, model, radio personality and now making her debut as a theatre actor, Giselle “G” Tongi-Walters. She’ll be playing the role of Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf’s friend who is known to be one of the first women in the 30’s to be openly bisexual. She is also known to be one of the first to wear trousers, which is a big issue back then. Such an interesting role that we all should watch!

We were lucky enough to hear a sample from the cast too!

“From the streets of Paris to worldwide fame, Edith Gassion (known as ‘PIAF’, the sparrow) continues to be remembered and revered for her exceptional voice and extraordinary life.

In this new version of PIAF, which premiered at London’s Donmar Warehouse in 2008 before transferring to the West End. Pam Gems has reworked her classic 1978 play, vivily capturing the glamour and squalor, the rise and fall of this complex, fragile and enigmatic performer.

Featuring over 25 of Edith Piaf’s most famous songs including La Vie en Rose, Autumn Leaves, Hymn a I’amour and the iconic Non, je ne regretted tiene, PIAF brings back to the stage one of the country’s finest stage actresses, Pinky Amador.”

PIAF is directed by Bobby Garcia, who marks 20 years of directing this year, and produced by Atlantis Productions. For tickets, log in to our website at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call us at 8919999.